Entitlement, Incivilities and Excessive Informality:

1. Stan Barrett, Nadia Rubaii-Barrett, & John PelowskiNASPAA Annual ConferenceCharleston, S.C.October 16-18, 2008 Entitlement, Incivilities and Excessive Informality: Meeting the Instructional & Administrative Challenges of Student Misconduct

2. The Problem Behavior or action that “interferes with a harmonious and cooperative learning atmosphere in the classroom” (Feldmann, 2001)

3. Underlying Assumptions This is on the horizon as an increasing problem for graduate programs Professional public affairs programs have a special responsibility to promote civility. We cannot and should not wait for minor incivilities to escalate to explicit threats or acts of violence.

4. Examples of Incivilities Simple Annoyances Classroom terrorism Intimidation Threats of Harm or Violence

5. Contributing Factors Trickling up from K-16 Psychological need to control Poor role models Racism and misogyny Vulnerabilities of untenured faculty Lack of meaningful consequences  ENTITLEMENT SOCIETY

6. Entitlement Society Attitudes Paying tuition and showing up for class is sufficient for degree Disdain for authority & rules Sense of self as the center of the universe Not receptive to feedback that would require change Expectation of immediate response and accommodation

7. General Recommendations Clearly stated and consistently applied policies regarding civil conduct Training for all faculty, staff, administrators and students Swift response by all instructors to minor incivilities Support network for instructors Serious consequences for students who do not improve conduct

8. Additional Steps for PA Programs More thorough admissions screening Articulate civility as a core competency Use of civility contracts Monitoring of professional conduct Earned inclusion in the program Active promotion of “civility efficiency”